Although it is common for dandruff to colonise the scalp, it can also affect the beard. It then appears as small white flakes that accumulate in the hairs and occasionally fall onto clothing. When these flakes are greasy, they adhere to the face and may cause itching. How can beard dandruff be effectively eliminated? Here are all our recommendations.
Beard and dandruff: what should you do?
Summary
Published on August 28, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 12 min of reading
Themes:
Dandruff in the beard: are the causes identical to those of scalp dandruff?
Having dandruff in the beard or even the moustache may come as a surprise, but this phenomenon is not fundamentally different from that of the scalp. Flaking occurs when the turnover of skin cells accelerates or when the yeast Malassezia, naturally present on the skin, proliferates. This yeast feeds on the lipids in sebum and can trigger irritation, itching and the formation of small flakes visible in beard hair. These may be oily dandruff (white/yellow flakes that stick to the beard hair) or dry dandruff (white flakes that fall naturally onto clothing).
Several factors promote this proliferation. Sebum production, particularly stimulated by testosterone, a male sex hormone, nourishes the yeast Malassezia and exacerbates dandruff issues. External aggressors such as wind, pollution or cold weaken the skin barrier and can disrupt the cell cycle, thereby increasing the risk of scale formation. The use of unsuitable products, whether too harsh or too rich, or irregular cleansing can also contribute to the build-up of dead cells and sebum within the beard.
Although the beard is not exactly identical to the scalp, the causes of dandruff remain broadly the same.
What are the most effective methods for removing dandruff from the beard?
Broadly speaking, beard dandruff is treated in the same way as scalp dandruff.
This involves controlling fungal proliferation, sebum production and the accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the epidermis. There are shampoos specifically formulated for the beard that include anti-dandruff agents, but it is perfectly possible to use conventional anti-dandruff shampoos, i.e. originally intended for the scalp. These shampoos may contain various ingredients recognised for their effectiveness against dandruff: zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, ciclopirox olamine, the piroctone olamine or even selenium sulphide. They should be used two to three times a week, depending on the severity of the dandruff, to effectively reduce flaking. Several clinical studies conducted on the scalp, some of which are presented in the table below, have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in combating dandruff.
| Study | Participants | Protocol | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIERARD & al (2002) | 150 men affected by dandruff. | Application of a 1% piroctone olamine shampoo, a 1% ketoconazole shampoo or a 1% zinc pyrithione shampoo 2 to 3 times per week for 6 months. | Itchiness and dandruff resolve within 2 to 6 weeks following 3 shampoo applications. |
| GOODE & al. (2002) | 154 individuals with dandruff, including 70 with seborrhoeic dermatitis. | Application 3 times per week for 4 weeks of a shampoo containing 1.5% ciclopirox olamine and 3% salicylic acid or of a shampoo containing 2% ketoconazole. | A 22% reduction in dandruff and a 62.5% reduction in the area of seborrhoeic dermatitis was achieved with the ciclopirox olamine and salicylic acid shampoo, compared with a 26% reduction in dandruff and an 80.5% reduction in seborrhoeic dermatitis area with the ketoconazole shampoo. |
| CHO & al. (2003) | 57 participants with dandruff. | Application 3 times weekly for 4 weeks of a shampoo containing 1.5% ciclopirox olamine or one containing 2% ketoconazole. | An 87.5% reduction in dandruff was observed with the ciclopirox olamine shampoo, compared with 88.9% with the ketoconazole shampoo. |
| SHARIFI-RAD & al (2015) | 30 patients presenting with dandruff. | Application of a shampoo containing 1% piroctone olamine and zinc PCA 3 times per week for 2 months. | Complete elimination of dandruff was achieved in 15 patients by the second week, in 12 after four weeks, and in three by the end of the fifth week. |
Overview of several studies evaluating various anti-dandruff shampoos.
→ Solution No. 1 : Use medicated anti-dandruff shampoos.
In addition, certain essential oils can be used for their antifungal and soothing properties. However, exercise caution: they should not be applied neat to the skin, as this may cause irritation. Before using them, dilute them in a vegetable oil suited to your skin type. The essential oils considered as natural dandruff treatments are those of tea tree, lavender, rosemary and Atlas cedar.
Several scientific studies have assessed the effectiveness of essential oils against the microorganisms responsible for dandruff, notably Malassezia furfur, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. A recent study carried out in 2022 determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of various essential oils in order to evaluate appropriate dosages for cosmetic use. The results highlight that certain essential oils, such as those of tea tree, Roman chamomile or clove, are effective against M. furfur, the primary agent involved in dandruff, whereas other oils more specifically target bacteria such as E. coli or S. epidermidis.
| Essential oil | Inhibitory concentration for M. furfur | Inhibitory concentration for E. coli | Inhibitory concentration for S. epidermidis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea tree essential oil | 2,0% | 0,5% | 0,5% |
| Roman chamomile essential oil | 0,5% | 1,0% | / |
| Clove bud essential oil | 2,0% | 0,1% | 0,5% |
| Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil | / | 1,0% | 1,0% |
| Lime essential oil | / | 1,0% | / |
| Camphoraceous rosemary essential oil | / | 1,0% | / |
| Geranium essential oil | / | 0,1% | 0,5% |
| Palmarosa essential oil | / | 0,5% | 1,0% |
| Peppermint essential oil | / | 1,0% | / |
Minimal inhibitory concentrations of various essential oils against the micro-organisms involved in dandruff.
Source: YUK Y. S. A study on quantifying the optimal usage levels of ten essential oils required to inhibit the growth of dandruff‐causing bacteria. Korea Academy Industrial Cooperation Society (2022).
Note : These data may provide an interesting basis for initiating aromatherapy to combat dandruff. However, avoid mixing multiple essential oils in the hope of enhancing their effects, as this can produce the opposite outcome and irritate your skin. Ensure you investigate any possible synergies beforehand and always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying an oil more extensively.
Another study evaluated the efficacy of tea tree essential oil against dandruff. It was a randomised, single-blind trial involving 126 participants with mild to moderate dandruff. Participants used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree essential oil or the same shampoo without the oil daily for four weeks. The results showed a significantly greater improvement in the dandruff severity score in the tea tree oil group. Furthermore, statistically significant improvements were also observed in the total affected scalp area and in itching. No adverse effects were reported, suggesting that 5% tea tree essential oil is both effective and well tolerated for managing dandruff.
→ Solution No. 2 : Utilise essential oils.
Furthermore, it is important to thoroughly cleanse one's face each evening with a cleanser that suits one's skin type. This helps to remove sebum, impurities, and the residues accumulated throughout the day, which can settle in the beard and promote the appearance of dandruff. Additionally, a gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can assist in eliminating dead skin cells and preventing flakiness. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of a scalp scrub combined with a hydrating serum in reducing dandruff. The scrub contained AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to eliminate accumulated dead cells.
The results demonstrated that after 15 days of daily use, exfoliation using the scrub led to a significant reduction in visible dandruff, with a improvement of over 60% compared to the start of the study. Simultaneously, scalp hydration was greatly enhanced, helping to reduce dryness and the sensation of an itchy beard. The study highlights that regular exfoliation, whether of the scalp or face, helps eliminate flakes and prevent the accumulation of keratin, which serves as an important complement to anti-dandruff shampoos and treatments in managing dandruff.
| Evaluated parameter | Initial value | After 15 days |
|---|---|---|
| Dandruff score | / | Decrease of 61.24% |
| Scalp hydration | / | Increase of 76.24% |
| Proportion of dry scalp with excess keratin | 65.52% | 6.9% |
| Proportion of normal scalp | 0% | 44.83% |
Effects of exfoliation combined with a hydrating serum on dandruff.
Source: PATNAIK S. & al. An assessment of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a novel scalp treatment regimen combining a hydroxy acid-based scrub and copper tripeptide serum in the management of seborrheic dermatitis in adults. Cureus (2024).
→ Solution No. 3 : Maintain a consistent skincare routine.
Sources
BARNETSON R. & al. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002).
PIÉRARD G. E. & al. Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos. A comparison of 1% ketoconazole, 1% piroctone olamine and 1% zinc pyrithione formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2002).
GOODE K. & al. A randomised, single-blind, single-centre clinical trial to evaluate comparative clinical efficacy of shampoos containing ciclopirox olamine (1.5%) and salicylic acid (3%), or ketoconazole (2%, Nizoral ) for the treatment of dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2002).
CHO K. H. & al. Successful treatment of dandruff with 1.5% ciclopirox olamine shampoo in Korea. Journal of Dermatological Treatment (2003).
SHARIFI-RAD J. & al. Preparation of strong antidandruff shampoo using medicinal plant extracts: A clinical trial and chronic dandruff treatment. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products (2015).
YUK Y. S. A study on the quantification of the appropriate amount of use of 10 essential oils required to inhibit the growth of dandruff-causing bacteria. Korea Academy Industrial Cooperation Society (2022).
PATNAIK S. & al. An assessment of the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of a novel scalp treatment regimen combining a hydroxy acid-based scrub and copper tripeptide serum in the management of seborrheic dermatitis in adults. Cureus (2024).
